Abstract: A self-cleaning litter device for animals that extracts waste from litter material contained in a substantially circular chamber. Sifting of the litter is produced by a rotational motion between a rake and the chamber and may be performed by rotating the rake or the chamber. Solid waste is pushed outwards, towards the outer perimeter of the chamber, for removal. A device is provided to prevent the solid waste from smearing against the side wall of the chamber before being removed. A waste receptacle, with a trapdoor to suppress odors, operates independently of the raking device. The rake may be comprised of helically-shaped tines to reduce drag in the litter. Embodiments are described for indoor and outdoor use; and for clumping and nonabsorbent litter.

Abstract: A compliant, thermally conductive interface device for use between two surfaces, such as a component and a heat sink surface, that can accommodate a range of gap distances and angular misalignment (tilt). The device is comprised of a plurality of foils (28) stacked in a densely-packed, nested fashion. The foils may extend between the surfaces (30, 32). Embodiments are described for use with flat, two-dimensionally curved, three-dimensionally curved, and cylindrical surfaces (such as heat pipes). Preferably, the foils are pre-formed in a shape corresponding to their fully compressed shape in a device and stacked directly against each other. After bonding the plurality of adjacent foil proximal edges (34) together and the plurality of adjacent foil distal edges (38) together, the assembly is extended to produce interstitial separation distances (42) between adjacent foil flexing sections (36) to accommodate future flexing and the height to accommodate future compression and tilt.